Francesco Guidotti joins KTM in MotoGP

It was only a matter of time before KTM formalized the return of Francesco Guidotti to its ranks. Last week, the Austrian firm announced the restructuring of its organizational chart and decided to do without the services of Mike Leitner as race manager. He sees himself demoted to the position of consultant.

Guidotti will take control of the official team in MotoGP after spending nine years at the head of the Pramac team. The Italian has already officiated under the colors of the Mattighofen factory from 2006 to 2009. “I was team manager at KTM from 2006 to 2009, then I gained valuable experience in another championship before returning to MotoGP, says Guidotti. Today, I come full circle! KTM has always been very ambitious and motivated with its racing programs and we can see that MotoGP is no exception; It’s incredible what they have accomplished in such a short time and there is still much to do. I am very happy to be back and to be part of this great step towards greater success. »

KTM uses Ducati staff…

In the KTM clan, Guidotti will bring with him a lot of knowledge which will complement that of Fabiano Sterlacchini, former right-hand man of Gigi Dall'Igna, boss of Ducati Corse, until 2019 recently recruited to the position of technical director. “We wanted to renew the management structure of MotoGP and we believe that his contribution and his ideas will give us new impetus for our sixth season,” underlines Pit Beirer, director of KTM Motorsports, about Guidotti. With people like Francesco, Fabiano Sterlacchini, Hervé Poncharal, Jens Hainbach and Aki Ajo, we know we have the best leaders to help us move forward and take new steps in MotoGP for our company. »

A few years ago, rumors spoke of discussions between KTM and Dall’Igna. If the Austrian factory did not manage to afford the services of the engineer, it nevertheless put all the chances on its side by enlisting other key players from the Borgo Panigale firm.